The decarbonization roadmap, presented by municipal energy manager Kai Miller, aims to guide Milton towards a goal of fully decarbonizing municipal operations by 2050. This non-binding plan zeroes in on the ten buildings that contribute over 90% of the town’s total building emissions, including several schools, town hall, and the fire headquarters. Although the roadmap offers a high-level overview rather than a detailed action plan, it features a timeline indicating “trigger events” for replacing outdated heating and cooling systems. For instance, Pierce Middle School is slated for a ground-source heat pump installation by 2028, contingent on funding.

Miller highlighted the financial challenges associated with these transitions, emphasizing the need for state and federal funding, such as federal tax credits for heat pumps, available until 2034. The board discussed the financial implications, debating whether the long-term savings from electrified heating systems could justify the significant upfront investments.

The meeting also addressed the inclusion of the Milton Arts Center in the emissions assessments, given its omission could skew data on town emissions. This led to a broader discussion on the depth of emissions analysis for other municipal properties, such as the police station and library. While the focus on schools is warranted due to their high emissions, a more comprehensive evaluation of all municipal buildings could enhance the town’s overall decarbonization strategy.

In tandem with the roadmap, the board endorsed a zero emissions vehicle policy designed to prioritize battery electric vehicles in municipal fleet acquisitions. The policy, aligned with guidelines from the Department of Energy Resources, aims to support Milton’s 2050 decarbonization target. However, concerns were raised about the definition of zero emissions vehicles, particularly the inclusion of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and the lack of standardized methodology for vehicle selection. A motion was passed to approve the decarbonization roadmap, with a stipulation for a review of vehicle numbers before submission.

The conversation extended to the town’s vehicle fleet, consisting of 197 vehicles, including 118 light-duty vehicles. Discussions acknowledged the potential to reduce fleet size by retiring obsolete vehicles and encouraging alternative transportation modes. The board considered a competitive grant application for an electric vehicle to help achieve its decarbonization goals.

In light of these plans, the meeting touched on Milton’s need for expanded charging infrastructure. Currently, only two charging stations with four ports exist, with plans to increase this to six ports. The board underscored the necessity of addressing this infrastructure gap to support the transition to electric vehicles.

Another topic was the town’s approach to school bus contracts. With a three-year contract recently signed, the board agreed to revisit discussions on transitioning to electric buses in a year. The inclusion of a school committee member in the Climate Action Committee was suggested to facilitate support for such initiatives.

Composting initiatives also garnered attention. Three locations in Milton now offer composting options for residents not subscribed to Black Earth. The board highlighted the importance of clear community communication on recycling guidelines, as recent audits showed rising contamination levels. A leaflet, including information on composting and recycling, is being prepared for distribution with trash bills.

The meeting concluded with updates from a stakeholder education and networking session focused on land conservation and climate change mitigation. A draft mission statement was developed to encourage collaboration among stakeholders. Priority projects include researching climate-resilient tree species, managing stormwater flooding, and enhancing the town’s shade tree population.